A 60-year-old man on ICU is being treated for septic shock. The junior doctor asks about the difference between crystalloids and colloids for fluid re...

Question

A 60-year-old man on ICU is being treated for septic shock. The junior doctor asks about the difference between crystalloids and colloids for fluid resuscitation. The SAFE trial (2004) compared 4% albumin with 0.9% saline. What was the key finding?

Accepted Answer

There was no significant difference in 28-day mortality between 4% albumin and 0.9% saline for fluid resuscitation in a general ICU population - albumin was safe but not superior to saline

Answer

Albumin significantly reduced mortality compared to saline

Answer

Albumin increased mortality

Answer

Albumin caused more renal failure

Answer

The trial was stopped early for harm

uk-fficm MCQ (SBA): SAFE Trial - Crystalloid vs Colloid

A 60-year-old man on ICU is being treated for septic shock. The junior doctor asks about the difference between crystalloids and colloids for fluid resuscitation. The SAFE trial (2004) compared 4% albumin with 0.9% saline. What was the key finding?